If your kids love dinosaurs, this craft is such a fun one to make! This dinosaur cave pocket craft lets kids color their own dinos and cave, then turn the cave into a pocket to store the dinosaurs inside. It’s simple, interactive, and ends up being something kids can actually play with after the craft is finished. Honestly, those are always my favorite kinds of crafts.

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How to Make a Dino Pocket Cave

This printable dinosaur craft is easy to prep and works great for preschool, elementary-aged kids, homeschool activities, dinosaur units, or just a fun afternoon craft at home.

Materials

  • Dinosaur cave template
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
  • Scissors
  • Box Cutter (optional)
  • Glue stick or school glue
  • Cardstock (optional, but helpful for durability)

Instructions

  • Print out the dinosaur cave template.
  • Color the dinosaurs and cave however you’d like. Kids can make realistic dinosaurs or get creative with bright colors and patterns.

  • Carefully cut out the caves and dinosaur pieces.

  • Cut along the slit/opening on the cave template where indicated. This will create the opening for the pocket.

  • Glue the backing piece onto the back of the cave. Make sure to only glue around the outer edges so the middle stays open like a pocket.

  • Let the glue dry completely.
  • Slide the dinosaurs into the cave pocket and have fun playing with them!

Tips and Ideas for This Craft

  • Print dinosaur cave template. on cardstock if you want the cave to hold up better during play. Regular printer paper works too, but cardstock makes the pocket sturdier.
  • Let kids decorate the cave with extra details like rocks, grass, volcanoes, lava, or dinosaur eggs. It makes every cave look unique.
  • Laminate the pieces after coloring for a reusable version that lasts longer.
  • Add names to the dinosaurs and turn it into a storytelling activity. Kids love making up adventures for each dinosaur.
  • Use this craft during a dinosaur learning unit alongside dinosaur books, sensory bins, or fossil activities.
  • Younger kids may need help cutting the slit for the pocket opening. A grown-up can use a craft knife or scissors to get it started.
  • Store all the dinosaur pieces inside the pocket when finished so nothing gets lost.
  • Make multiple caves and turn them into different dinosaur habitats like jungle caves, volcano caves, or icy caves.

Supplies We Love for This Craft

Here are some of the fun supplies we love for this type of craft:

Other Pocket Crafts

If you love pocket crafts, check out these others:

Fun Dinosaur Craft for Kids

This dinosaur cave pocket craft is one of those activities that kids end up playing with long after the coloring and cutting is done. It combines creativity, fine motor skills, and imaginative play all in one simple printable craft. Whether you use it for a dinosaur unit, rainy day activity, or just because your child is obsessed with dinos right now, it’s an easy craft that keeps kids engaged and having fun.